Vicar of a Different Chapel!

Priest works busy late shift at Salisbury nightclub as part of Lenten pledge

The Revd David Linaker puts out some pumping tunes on decks.

Despite its name, The Chapel nightclub in Salisbury isn’t normally a place where you’ll meet members of clergy. It’s better known as a place where revellers go to dance to clubland anthems.

One Salisbury vicar, however, spent last Thursday night there, working a shift as part of an unusual Lenten pledge.

The Rev’d David Linaker, Rector of St Thomas’ Church in Salisbury city centre, is also a Vice President of and Chaplain to Salisbury and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry. During Lent 2014, he is offering a day’s free work to businesses which are of the Chamber, including The Chapel.

David Linaker said:

“Just being there in my dog collar provoked some interesting questions. I had great fun and the clubbers showed me a really warm welcome

“It was particularly interesting to do a Thursday night shift as that’s one of the busiest nights at the club.

“I was really chuffed to hear of the high reputation of Salisbury Street Pastors. Street Pastors operates on the busier socialising nights in the City, assisting anybody who needs help and listening to those who want a friendly ear. Most clubbers won’t ever need to turn to them for help, but a lot of people are glad they’re there, doing the work they do.

“Some people think working at a night club is an odd thing for a vicar to do – but the Bible tells us this is exactly the sort of thing Jesus Christ during his ministry. In fact, he was criticised by the religious authorities for drinking, eating too much and hanging out with people they didn’t consider respectable.

“I am also going to be working for MG Cannon, a local car body repair firm, Safe Store; a self storage company; the Salisbury Journal and Trinity Photography. I’m already discovering just how much I have to learn and just how much of that can help us be a better parish church!"